Lion Links: 10/9/17

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Yes, it was a heck of a weekend for those of us that wear the purple, and support all things Orlando City. The Pride fell to the Portland Thorns, OCB couldn’t complete a comeback against New York Red Bulls II, and Orlando City was eliminated without even taking the field. The good news is we still have soccer left this season, and we’ve got plenty of links for you to start your week.

Kaká is Getting Tired

It seems that our Captain is feeling his age. Kaká is now on record stating he isn’t enjoying playing as much as he has in the past, and that he’ll be making a decision on his future soon. It is rumored that he is deciding between returning to Brazil and playing for São Paulo FC, signing for a year with Orlando City, or even retiring. Although he may hang up his cleats soon, he does see himself as a manager or coach in the future.

Cyle and Canada fall to El Salvador

Canada hoped to secure a win in its freindly with El Salvador, and with both Cyle Larin and Jordan Schweitzer called up from Orlando CIty and Orlando City B, respectively, one would have thought that might be the case. However, Canada was unable to find the back of the net and ended up falling to El Salvador, 1-0

Pulisic Toughens Up

There’s no doubt that Christian Pulisic is a game changer for the USMNT. He has the potential to be the best American soccer players in history, but there were times against Costa Rica and Honduras where he seemingly disappeared. Those teams figured out that he was dangerous and targeted him repeatedly. Well, Pulisic is a quick learner, and took those lessons into the Panama game. He managed the hits and kept coming back from them stronger. It’s not something he’s used to in the Bundesliga, but something his CONCACAF opponents keyed on very quickly. You have to love how fast the 19-year-old makes adjustments to his game.

USMNT Clutch Under Pressure but Weak When Not

The USMNT dominated Panama in Orlando City Stadium in what wasn’t quite a “must win” game, but certainly felt like one. Why is it that the U.S. seems to have its best games when its back is against the wall? And why can’t it play like that if it isn’t a dire situation? It is incredibly frustrating for U.S. supporters, and hopefully something the team can get sorted out. That’s not to say games like the one against Panama aren’t satisfying, but wouldn’t you rather already be qualified for the World Cup? Let’s hope it isn’t the American way.

Norway Shows the Way to Pay

Norway’s football association took a historic step by paying its men’s and women’s international players equally. In doing so, the association is doubling the compensation of the female players from a little over three million kroner to six million kroner. This is the type of thing that is good for soccer and will hopefully be mirrored by other countries. Taking the U.S. as an example, the USWNT has way more World Cup victories than the USMNT.

Free Kicks

• Andrea Pirlo is set to retire when his contact with NYCFC runs out at the end of the year. Sail off into the sunset, Pirlo.
• Evidently, Eli Manning (quarterback for the 0-5 New York Giants), is glad he was traded during the draft because he isn’t playing in a soccer stadium in L.A. Frankly, I agree. He’s not nearly cool enough to play in a soccer stadium.
• Famous birthdays for Oct. 9 include: John Lennon (1940-1980, if I have to explain who he was, stop reading), Sean Lennon (41, yes it’s John’s son), Sharon Osbourne (64, Shaaarrronn!), Steve Burns (43, Blue’s Clues), Brandon Routh (37, Superman or The Atom), Tony Shalhoub (63, Monk), Nick Swardson (40, comedian), Guillermo del Toro (52, director), and Scott Bakula (62, watch Unnecessary Roughness).
• In homage to the USMNT win against Panama, I present Van Halen’s “Panama” from their album 1984.

That’ll do it for your daily Lion Links. Stay tuned to The Mane Land for coverage of all things Orlando City.